'Almost half of all American Presidents have Irish roots' - Trail across Ireland could open this summer

An American President’s Trail across the island of Ireland could open as soon as this Summer, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Edward Timmins, who first proposed the initiative explained that “almost half of all American Presidents have Irish roots – around 23 in total – and many of those connections lead back to communities in every corner of Ireland.”

placeholder image — Former US President Barack Obama

“There’s a huge story here, and the American Presidents Trail across our island is a chance to tell it properly.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate Ireland and the United States’ shared heritage, while encouraging tourists to explore towns and villages they never normally would,” the Wicklow TD said.

2013 picture of then First Minister Peter Robinson and then deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness meeting USA President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast at the beginning of the G8 Summit

Deputy Timmins has been working with Minister Patrick O’Donovan to advance the novel project.

It is now proposed the relevant local authorities where a US President has a historical or ancestral link would mark this with a special event this Summer.

Minister O’Donovan’s department is working with the Department of Communities and local authority networks to deliver the initiative.

It is now proposed that a physical marker of a native tree and information panel at the numerous sites will be the beginning of the project.

Barack Obama and his family meet Michelle O'Neill, Arlene Foster and Peter Robinson FILE PICTURE Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Monday 17th June 2013 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye.

A co-ordinated tree planting ceremony may take place in July 2026.

“Minister O’Donovan is travelling to Georgia for St Patrick’s Day where it is hoped to secure further progress on delivering this project this Summer. I want to thank him for his efforts on this which would be of great benefit to the entire island,” Deputy Timmins said.

The Minister for Culture – Patrick O’Donovan – confirmed the project is being advanced as part of the America250 Programme, a joint effort between the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The programme will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States later this year.

Deputy Timmins has produced a US Presidents ‘Road Map’ identifying key counties linked to various US Presidents, stretching from Antrim to Offaly, Wexford, Mayo and beyond.

Senior officials are now working with local councils to identify designated locations and install standardised information points along the trail.

“With the 250th anniversary just four months away, I’m very encouraged by the momentum behind this project,” he said.

"There is a real commitment from officials and local authorities, and I’m hopeful that significant progress will be made in time for the commemorations,” he added.

Here is the list of US Presidents with Irish links –

Andrew Jackson, 7th President (1829-1837) – County Antrim

James Knox Polk, 11th President (1845-1849) – County Derry

James Buchanan, 15th President (1857-1861) – Counties Donegal & Tyrone

Andrew Johnson, 17th President (1865-1869) – County Antrim

Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President (1869-1877) – County Tyrone

Chester A. Arthur, 21st President (1881-1885) – County Antrim

Grover Cleveland, 22nd & 24th President (1885-1889, 1893-1897) – County Antrim

Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President (1889-1893) – County Antrim

William McKinley, 25th President (1897-1901) – County Antrim

Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President (1901-1909 – County Antrim

William Howard Taft, 27th President (1909-13) – County Louth